Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actors of his generation, made national headlines in late February 2026 when he appeared on The Best People with Nicolle Wallace.
A political podcast hosted by MSNBC commentator Nicolle Wallace. In a candid and emotional interview, the 82‑year‑old actor spoke forcefully about his views on President Donald Trump and the direction of American democracy — remarks that quickly became a subject of widespread discussion and debate in the media.
De Niro — who has won two Academy Awards and has starred in dozens of landmark films — has long been known not only for his cinematic contributions but also for his willingness to voice his political opinions, especially about President Trump.
In his recent podcast appearance, he framed his comments not as typical celebrity commentary, but as an urgent civic warning.
During the conversation, De Niro used strong language to describe how he sees the current state of the nation under Trump’s leadership.
Reflecting on what he views as deep social and political divisions, he said, “The story is our country, and Trump is destroying it — we have to save the country.”
On multiple occasions, he called for resistance, urging Americans to engage actively in political life to protect democratic norms.
“People have to resist, resist, resist,” he said during the interview, stressing that opposition to current policies is necessary to safeguard the nation’s future.
Emotion and Unity in De Niro’s Message
What drew the most attention was not just De Niro’s political critique, but the emotional tone of his comments. At several points in the interview, he became visibly emotional while discussing the challenges he perceives facing the country.
When Wallace referenced De Niro’s famous 1981 Academy Award speech — in which he thanked those around him and emphasized community — the actor connected that sentiment to his broader political message.
With his voice cracking, De Niro said, “You have to lift people up. You have to bring them together — period. You can’t divide people.
You can’t win that way.” His remarks underscored how deeply he feels about the need for unity and collective action, even as he criticized sharp political divisions.
Core Themes of the Podcast Interview
Across his extended remarks, several key themes emerged:
• Concern about Political Polarization: De Niro expressed worry that the divisions in American society have deepened, making meaningful dialogue and cooperation more difficult.
• Calls for Organized Resistance: He repeatedly emphasized the need for active resistance to policies he believes undermine democratic norms — not through violence, but through civic engagement and political participation.
• Fear of Enduring Political Movements: De Niro warned that the political movement supporting Trump would not simply disappear, even under dramatic circumstances, and he stressed the importance of collective action in response.
A Broader History of Political Commentary
This recent interview fits into a long pattern of public statements in which De Niro has engaged with American politics.
Over the past decade, he has been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies and leadership style, frequently using media appearances, speeches, and public events to express his views.
De Niro’s activism has included participation in various demonstrations and public appeals, especially around issues of democratic governance and civic responsibility.
While actors and other entertainers often comment on politics, De Niro stands out for the consistency and intensity of his engagement — particularly given his stature in Hollywood and the regular media attention his statements attract.
Reactions from the Trump Camp
Unsurprisingly, De Niro’s comments have elicited sharp responses from President Trump and his supporters.
Following the podcast interview, Trump posted on his social media platform attacking De Niro’s credibility and character, calling him “sick and demented” and criticizing his emotional remarks — a response widely reported in U.S. news coverage.
The president’s comments reflect a broader, ongoing adversarial dynamic between Trump and prominent cultural figures who oppose his policies.
Public and Media Responses
Media outlets across the political spectrum covered De Niro’s podcast appearance, highlighting both the content of his political critique and the emotional tone of his delivery.
Some praised his willingness to speak out, while others questioned the appropriateness of celebrity involvement in political discourse — a debate that regularly resurfaces in U.S. public life.
Social media reactions were similarly varied, with supporters applauding De Niro’s passion and critics deriding his comments as partisan.
As with many high‑profile political statements by celebrities, reactions tended to align with wider political divisions in the country.
De Niro’s Broader Message and Legacy
While politics may be only one aspect of De Niro’s far‑reaching career, his recent comments on The Best People With Nicolle Wallace underscore how he views civic engagement as essential to preserving democratic institutions.
Whether or not one agrees with his perspective, his remarks reflect a deeply felt concern about the political trajectory of the United States.
The interview also contributes to an ongoing national conversation about the role of public figures in political life, the responsibilities of citizens in polarized times, and the boundaries between cultural influence and political advocacy.
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